Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

For most people, yes, hiring an immigration lawyer is absolutely worth it. U.S. immigration law is one of the most complicated legal systems in the world. Even a small mistake on an application can lead to delays, denials, or even deportation proceedings. An experienced immigration attorney helps you avoid those pitfalls, protect your rights, and often save time, stress, and money in the long run. Immigration law is complex and constantly changing, and mistakes can have serious consequences, including application denials and even removal proceedings. Attorneys know how to avoid these mistakes and how to correct them if they happen. By developing a personalized strategy, handling the paperwork, preparing you for interviews or hearings, and communicating with immigration officials on your behalf, your attorney can save you time and stress. Having an immigration lawyer dramatically improves your chances of success in getting applications approved without delay or defending against removal proceedings. In Reno and throughout the U.S., immigrants who work with qualified attorneys are far more likely to achieve favorable outcomes, whether that means getting a Green Card, winning asylum, or staying united with family.

How can a Reno immigration attorney help if I’m facing deportation or removal?

If you’ve received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Immigration Court, you are being placed in removal proceedings, and the outcome could determine whether you can stay in the United States. A Reno immigration attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and building the strongest possible defense. Your attorney will: Review your immigration and criminal history to identify any forms of relief from removal, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or Adjustment of Status Represent you in Immigration Court, presenting legal arguments, evidence, and witness testimony on your behalf File motions and appeals if necessary to challenge government errors or unfavorable decisions Advise you on bond hearings if you are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), helping you secure release while your case continues Because immigration judges have limited discretion and deadlines are strict, professional legal representation can make the difference between being deported and having the chance to remain in the U.S. legally.

What should I bring to my first consultation with a Reno immigration lawyer?

To make the most of your initial consultation, it’s helpful to bring any documents that relate to your immigration history or current situation. This allows the attorney to evaluate your case quickly and accurately. Here’s a checklist of what to bring if possible: Identification: Passport, driver’s license, or any national ID Immigration documents: Visas, I-94 travel record, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or any USCIS notices (Form I-797) Court or ICE paperwork: Notices to Appear (NTA), bond documents, or any correspondence from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Family documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, or proof of relationships if your case involves family-based immigration Criminal records (if any): Police reports or court dispositions, as these can affect eligibility for immigration benefits Prior applications or denials: Copies of anything filed with USCIS or the U.S. consulate During your consultation, your attorney will review your documents, listen to your story, and explain your options. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking asylum, or defending against deportation, you’ll leave the meeting with a clearer understanding of your path forward and how the attorney can help.

Reno Immigration Attorney | Immigration Lawyer in Reno, NV

Smit Law Group/

Reno Immigration Law Attorney

Why Hire SMIT LAW GROUP to handle your case?

5-star client reviews.
Experience in both immigration and family law.
Multilingual, global-mindset legal team.
Proactive communication and clear case updates.
Local Reno presence, ready to serve.
Strategic approach to complex cases.

Find Out How We Can Help

Schedule Your Consultation

Get Dedicated, Compassionate Help Filing for Green Cards and Visas, Defending Against Deportation, and More From an Immigration Lawyer in Reno, NV

In Reno and throughout Nevada, the vibrant immigrant population contributes to our culture, our economy, and our communities. For non-citizens who need legal guidance to gain entry into the United States or to remain here in the face of deportation proceedings, a Reno immigration attorney from Smit Law Group can provide the advocacy and strategic approach you need with the compassionate client service you deserve.

Immigration applications can be long processes, while ICE detention and removal proceedings can happen quickly. For the guidance you need right now to address urgent issues or being moving your application forward, contact us today.

When Do You Need a Reno Immigration Attorney?

An immigration attorney’s guidance can be critical in situations in which you’re seeking to:

Enter the United States
Remain in the U.S.
Work in the United States
Acquire permanent lawful residence in the U.S.

Some clients reach out to to Smit Law Group to begin their journey of immigrating to the United States of America. Others turn to our team for help when they’re in trouble, facing the removal proceedings and the potential for deportation.

We’re here to fight for you when you’re facing ICE detention, a bond hearing, or the complex path to attaining a visa, a Green Card, or permanent citizenship. Attorney Margaretha Smit has gone through the immigration process herself, in addition to having years of experience practicing immigration law. This experience allows our firm to approach every case with empathy and understanding of our clients’ challenges as well as full knowledge of their legal rights.

Understanding Immigration Legal Matters in Reno and Throughout Nevada

For our region’s immigrant population, Reno is an important destination. Applicants for Green Cards, work permits, asylum, naturalization, and other types of benefits are typically required to appear in person for a biometrics appointment, which entails collecting their fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operates an Application Support Center (ASC), where biometrics appointments are held, in Reno.

What if you or a family member is facing deportation proceedings? In Nevada, removal hearings are held at the Las Vegas Immigration Court. Our firm can help you prepare for these hearings and present the most effective defense possible, with the goal of ensuring you can remain in the U.S. We know how devastating it would be to be ripped away from the life you have built, your home, and your community, and we’re committed to seeking out every avenue available to help our clients avoid deportation.

Your future deserves attention today. Call 775-993-2235 or contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Available 24/7

775-993-2235

Types of Immigration Matters Smit Law Group Handles in Reno, NV

As an experienced Reno immigration attorney, Smit Law Group represents clients in all aspects of immigration law matters, including:

Citizenship and naturalization: Through the naturalization process, a person from another country of origin can become a U.S. citizen. Smit Law can help you move forward on your path to citizenship through guidance preparing your application, assistance studying for the citizenship test, and support for interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers.
Deportation/removal defense: If you’re already in the United States as a non-citizen, you could be expelled from the country through removal or deportation for allegedly violating immigration laws. Smit Law Group can skillfully help you fight for relief, exploring all legal options that may be available to you and representing you in Immigration Court.
Bond hearings and ICE detention: Being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a common fear for immigrants in our area, even if they have done everything right. At Smit Law Group, we intervene to request a hearing, argue for release on bond before an immigration judge, and help reunite our clients with their families.
Asylum: If you had to flee your country of origin due to persecution, you may qualify for asylum, a form of legal humanitarian protection that permits you to live and work in the United States. We help eligible clients apply for asylum and represent them during interviews or hearings before USCIS or the Immigration Court.
Appeals: Denials of your immigration application may not be the final word. Our firm handles appeals to challenge denials that are unjust. Let us review the record and determine whether any legal errors occurred and whether you have grounds to appeal the decision.
Family-based Immigration: Several types of immigration applications are family-based, offering opportunities to unite families so they can stay together in the United States.
Employment-based immigration: If you have specialized skills or employer sponsorship, you may be permitted to come to the United States for work-related purposes.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status: For undocumented children who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency in the United States. We assist with every step, from guardianship applications to filing the petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status with USCIS.

Our firm often serves families, handling the following types of family-based immigration concerns:

Family-based petitions: Formal requests for immigration benefits for qualifying family members made by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. We help prepare and properly file family-based petitions (Form I-130).
Fiancé(e) visas: Through a K-1 visa, a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen may enter the United States for marriage. We help secure these visas and ensure that our clients understand their obligations under them, including marrying within 90 days of arrival in the country.
Adjustment of Status: If you’re already in the United States, you can apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. In the context of family-based immigration, this often pertains to marriage Green Cards.
Consular processing: If you’re applying for a Green Card from outside the United States, you will need to go through consular processing. We help clients file their applications, work with the National Visa Center, and prepare for interviews at U.S. consulates abroad.

The employment-based immigration matters our firm handles include:

Work visas: Through work visas, foreign nationals can temporarily work in the U.S. We help employers and employees comply with complex regulations and accurately file petitions for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other types of work visas.
Investor and entrepreneur visas: Investing in U.S. businesses can provide a path to obtaining lawful status. We guide investors through eligibility requirements, documentation, and business planning to meet the criteria for E-2, EB-5, and other types of investor and entrepreneur visas.

For all of your immigration needs, Smit Law Group provides experienced, compassionate legal support.

An Immigration Lawyer in Reno, NV, Who Speaks Your Language

Many immigration attorneys practicing in and around Reno only speak English. When you’re turning to legal counsel for guidance to manage high-stakes immigration issues, a language barrier can prevent you from getting your questions answered or fully understanding your rights and options. This impact is particularly notable on our area’s large Hispanic population.

At Smit Law Group, we’re able to advise clients in their own language, providing clear communication and peace of mind. Attorney Margaretha Smit is multilingual, speaking the following languages:

English
Spanish
Dutch
German
French

We know how important it is to have a Reno immigration attorney you can communicate with, without worrying about miscommunications or language barriers.

How Smit Law Group Can Help

At Smit Law Group, you will work with a Reno immigration attorney who not only knows the law and the immigration process but also has firsthand experience as an immigrant. Guided by attorney Margaretha Smit’s personal experience immigrating to the United States from Holland, our firm has a unique perspective on immigration issues and a commitment to supporting clients through the challenges this process can pose.

We recognize that many immigrants face a great deal of stress and fear, worrying about application denials, ICE detention, or deportation. We’re here to ensure immigrants know that they still have a lot of options available for obtaining entry into the United States and fighting removal proceedings. With our law firm as your advocate, you can trust that every avenue for obtaining a favorable decision in your immigration case will be fully explored.

Why Choose Smit Law Group as Your Reno Immigration Attorney?

Navigating U.S. immigration law is complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Smit Law Group, clients receive trusted, one-on-one guidance from a firm built on honesty and compassion.

Personal experience: As an immigrant herself, attorney Margaretha “Greta” Smit understands your journey, personally and professionally.
Multilingual representation: Fluent in five languages, Greta ensures clear communication without language barriers.
Trusted in Reno since 2014: Known for integrity and practical solutions, our firm has earned the community’s trust.

When your future is at stake, choose a firm that genuinely cares.

Contact a Reno Immigration Attorney at Smit Law Group Today for Your Initial Case Review

The help you need for an immigration issue is within reach. We speak your language, understand local legal processes, and stand up for members of our community.

For help from an immigration lawyer in Reno, NV, contact Smit Law Group online or call 775-993-2235 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Law in Reno, NV

For most people, yes, hiring an immigration lawyer is absolutely worth it. U.S. immigration law is one of the most complicated legal systems in the world. Even a small mistake on an application can lead to delays, denials, or even deportation proceedings. An experienced immigration attorney helps you avoid those pitfalls, protect your rights, and often save time, stress, and money in the long run.
Immigration law is complex and constantly changing, and mistakes can have serious consequences, including application denials and even removal proceedings. Attorneys know how to avoid these mistakes and how to correct them if they happen. By developing a personalized strategy, handling the paperwork, preparing you for interviews or hearings, and communicating with immigration officials on your behalf, your attorney can save you time and stress.
Having an immigration lawyer dramatically improves your chances of success in getting applications approved without delay or defending against removal proceedings. In Reno and throughout the U.S., immigrants who work with qualified attorneys are far more likely to achieve favorable outcomes, whether that means getting a Green Card, winning asylum, or staying united with family.
If you’ve received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Immigration Court, you are being placed in removal proceedings, and the outcome could determine whether you can stay in the United States. A Reno immigration attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and building the strongest possible defense.
Your attorney will:
Review your immigration and criminal history to identify any forms of relief from removal, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or Adjustment of Status
Represent you in Immigration Court, presenting legal arguments, evidence, and witness testimony on your behalf
File motions and appeals if necessary to challenge government errors or unfavorable decisions
Advise you on bond hearings if you are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), helping you secure release while your case continues
Because immigration judges have limited discretion and deadlines are strict, professional legal representation can make the difference between being deported and having the chance to remain in the U.S. legally.
To make the most of your initial consultation, it’s helpful to bring any documents that relate to your immigration history or current situation. This allows the attorney to evaluate your case quickly and accurately.
Here’s a checklist of what to bring if possible:
Identification: Passport, driver’s license, or any national ID
Immigration documents: Visas, I-94 travel record, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or any USCIS notices (Form I-797)
Court or ICE paperwork: Notices to Appear (NTA), bond documents, or any correspondence from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Family documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, or proof of relationships if your case involves family-based immigration
Criminal records (if any): Police reports or court dispositions, as these can affect eligibility for immigration benefits
Prior applications or denials: Copies of anything filed with USCIS or the U.S. consulate
During your consultation, your attorney will review your documents, listen to your story, and explain your options. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking asylum, or defending against deportation, you’ll leave the meeting with a clearer understanding of your path forward and how the attorney can help.